Monday Morning EDC – Every Day Carry for Real

EDC in a wrecked bathroom. This might be a little different than what you're used to, but we look at it as a reality check.

Over the last few weeks we've shared some Every Day Carry “loadout” options (loadout is a pretentious term but it serves). Most have been a true reflection of what our contributors truly carry each day, but some have been on the heavy end of practical. They're nothing, however, to some alleged EDC posts you'll see on social media.

You know what we're talking about.

“Here's my [insert pistol brand here] in a [choose holster type here], backup gun on my ankle, mini-IFAK on my other ankle, beard comb though I'm clean shaven ‘cuz someone might need it, Zippo lighter though I don't smoke ‘cuz someone might need it, folding knife in right back pocket, fixed blade in scout style crossdraw sheath, wallet, task light clipped to my left pocket, tactical light down inside where no one can see it, watch with man-bling, multitool-keyholder, custom Ti prybar, spare mag for primary, spare mag for BUG, cell phone, inkpen and notebook, bootknife, Firefly IR beacon, extra TQ in belt pouch, x-ray glasses and bottle of hand lotion.”

That sure seems like a lot to haul around, but who are we to judge? Fact is, a lot of what you see in EDC posts is nothing more than gear- and “wearable” porn and there's nothing wrong with that. However, some folks are interested in what serious folks are really carrying.

So first — in this article of the newest issue of Concealment you can read about what our editorial staff and some of our contributors have on 'em every day. Some you'll have expected. Some will surprise you.

Here's a look at the layout from Iain Harrison, David Reeder, Dave Merrill and Mike Searson's sections — but we want you to buy a copy, so that's all you get.

Second, here are some candid shots of something that happened over the past weekend. The foundation at our web editor's house is shifting. Ground water is causing a lot of problems, including a substantial enough shift to actually snap some pipes. Saturday a couple of his friends (a plumber and an engineer, both sources he uses for “everyman tactical” opinions) came over to help with repairs. Guns, knives, watches, etc. were tossed down before they began — then one of them noticed what it looked like and suggested he take some pictures.

The images speak for themselves. (Note: that's not sewage in the pictures. That's ground water that collected in the bottom of the hole to a depth of over 3 in. over night.) All the gear was either being worn or carried when they began.

Every Day Carry for Real

There's gear in here from Glock, Smith & Wesson, Raven Concealment Systems, Tulster holsters, PHLster holsters, Surefire, Suunto, US Elite Gear, Gerber, Hinderer Knives, Lowa Boots, Danner Boots, Dark Angel Medical, ATEi, Smith & Bradley Watches, Uber Group and Steel Flame. There's some SOG Knives and Tools, Kershaw, Coast lights and 5.11 Tactical in there somewhere too, but those were in use and so didn't get photographed.

You'll note that only one of the 3 was carrying anything to address medical trauma and the only reloads were for the snubby. That has been addressed.  #missinglink

What would have been on the sink if that had been your house and your friends?

The third guy started in sandals and wound up barefoot, therefore only two kinds of boots. #rangeflops

This is what it looks like when you hear a strange noise from down in the hole you dug under the foundation and your plumber goes heeled:

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Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. 

Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. 

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